Q90. Bharti Bandhu are famous for which devotional musical genre?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2015]
(A) Pandavani
(B) Kabir Gayan
(C) Panthi dance
(D) Chhattisgarhi film songs
(E) None of these
Answer: (B) Kabir Gayan
Explanation: Bharti Bandhu are celebrated performers of Kabir Gayan, singing verses attributed to the poet-saint Kabir. Their presentations connect the region’s popular spiritual culture with the wider bhakti tradition through accessible, melodic devotional poetry.
Q89. Which is a celebrated example of early Indian rock-cut sculptural art?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2015]
(A) Brihadisvara Temple
(B) Elephanta Caves
(C) Meenakshi Temple
(D) Jagannath Temple
Answer: (B) Elephanta Caves
Explanation: Elephanta Island near Mumbai contains monumental sculptures carved from living rock, most famously the large three-faced Shiva. The complex is an important example of early medieval Shaiva artistic patronage and religious iconography.
Q88. What does the term Kalamkari refer to?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2015]
(A) Hand-painted cotton cloth in southern India
(B) Hand-drawn bamboo art from northeastern India
(C) Woollen block-printed cloth of the western Himalayas
(D) Decorative silk paintings from northwestern India
Answer: (A) Hand-painted cotton cloth in southern India
Explanation: Kalamkari is a textile decoration tradition associated with Andhra Pradesh, employing hand-drawn and painted designs on cotton. Natural dyes and narrative motifs distinguish its regional traditions, including Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam.
Q87. Which Indian language was most recently accorded classical-language status among Odia, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Assamese, as of the 2015 examination?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2015]
(A) Odia
(B) Konkani
(C) Bhojpuri
(D) Assamese
Answer: (A) Odia
Explanation: Odia obtained classical-language status in 2014. Assamese received classical status only in 2024, so the examination’s historical wording and answer must be understood in its 2015 context, not confused with present-day language recognition.
Q86. Which Chhattisgarh folk song often invokes the river Ganga?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2014]
(A) Bhojali
(B) Jawara
(C) Sohar
(D) Sua
(E) Panthi
Answer: (A) Bhojali
Explanation: Bhojali songs accompany rituals involving sprouted grain and reverence for nature. The river Ganga appears as a sacred image in the verses. The associated celebration reflects the close relationship between community song, agriculture and fertility.
Q85. Bhadauni songs are traditionally sung at which occasion?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2014]
(A) Birth
(B) Death
(C) Harvesting
(D) Marriage
(E) Thread ceremony
Answer: (D) Marriage
Explanation: Bhadauni is associated with wedding celebrations within Chhattisgarh’s regional singing traditions. Marriage songs preserve expressions of blessing, kinship and humour, often accompanying household rites through which local oral culture is transmitted.
Q84. In which traditional month is the Jethauni festival observed?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2014]
(A) Magh
(B) Baisakh
(C) Phalgun
(D) Kartik
(E) Agahan
Answer: (D) Kartik
Explanation: Jethauni, connected with the Dev Uthani Ekadashi observance, occurs in the month of Kartik. It is regarded as an auspicious transition in the annual religious calendar and is associated with the resumption of certain ceremonies.
Q83. The Goncha festival of Bastar is celebrated during which Hindu month?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2014]
(A) Jyeshtha
(B) Ashadha
(C) Shravana
(D) Bhadrapada
(E) Agahan
Answer: (B) Ashadha
Explanation: Goncha is a Rath Yatra-related festival centred on Jagdalpur in the Bastar region. Celebrated around the month of Ashadha, it combines devotion to Jagannath with local customs, processions and distinctive community festivities.
Q82. Damakheda in Chhattisgarh is a notable centre of which tradition?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2014]
(A) Satnami sect
(B) Kabir Panth
(C) Terapanth
(D) Ancient ruined temple
(E) Excavation site
Answer: (B) Kabir Panth
Explanation: Damakheda is a recognised religious centre of the Kabir Panth in Chhattisgarh. The site hosts gatherings of devotees and commemorates the teachings of Kabir, whose poetry emphasises devotion and ethical conduct beyond rigid distinctions.
Q81. Which traditional Chhattisgarh ornament is worn around the neck?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2014]
(A) Ainthi
(B) Nagmori
(C) Sutiya
(D) Tarki
(E) Kardhani
Answer: (C) Sutiya
Explanation: Sutiya is a traditional neck ornament. Other regional adornments include arm jewellery such as Nagmori, waist ornaments like Kardhani and earrings such as Tarki. Local ornament names are important markers of traditional attire and craftsmanship.
